When it comes to gaming, should we opt for PC, console, or cloud gaming? Video games have been a part of popular entertainment among people since long ago. In recent decades, cloud gaming services have been added to the two main gaming platforms: game consoles and personal computers.
Once in the 80s, Apple, IBM, and other manufacturers were looking for the spread of computers in every home. At that time, the game industry had yet to become particularly popular. The players who rule the console market today did not have a name and official status in the industry in those golden decades if we consider them an industry!
Even today, with every cloud gaming service that enters the market, we ask ourselves if this is the ultimate solution for the gaming industry to reach the maximum possible potential. Now cloud services are going through the eighties that computers left behind once! Continue reading our article in Arium to review and compare these three platforms.
Console and PC: two different worlds
The advantages of game consoles over PCs are many. The simplicity of use, lower costs, optimal performance, exclusivity of some games, and fast connection to the TV must be addressed for a gaming console. Consoles have hardware and software optimized for video games and provide excellent performance. Also, exclusive games offered on consoles can be the deciding factor in buying a console, especially from PlayStation, Xbox, or Nintendo.
On the other hand, we can use the same logic for PC. PCs offer a wider range of gaming possibilities and can run cross-platform games at a much higher quality.
Also, the possibility of upgrading hardware and installing materials, plugins, and patches in computers is one of their other advantages. But every gaming PC has disadvantages, such as the configuration and installation of more complicated software, the high cost of hardware (especially the initial cost), and the need for technical expertise for maximum use.
Many Disadvantages and some advantages
Of course, all these features are visible before discussing game consoles’ disadvantages. Among these disadvantages, we can mention the limitation of facilities and the lack of hardware upgrades, the high cost of some games, the cost of online services, and the need to purchase peripheral equipment.
Cloud gaming or streaming services also show their strengths and weaknesses, but it does not seem that the negative aspects of cloud gaming services will remain in the future. This method runs the games on cloud servers, and the image and sound are sent to the user’s device. These services allow playing at any time and place, and there is no need to buy powerful hardware.
Also, software updates and configuration are done automatically. However, we must also remember that a stable high-speed Internet connection is required to use cloud gaming services.
The financial cost, ease of use, and portability
In terms of cost, game consoles usually have lower initial costs than PCs. A console gives you all the hardware and software needed to run games in a complete package. But in personal computers, buying and upgrading hardware parts over time may be necessary, installing operating systems, paying attention to software updates, etc. In contrast, cloud gaming services usually have a monthly subscription and a fixed fee, allowing you to access a selection of games without needing additional accessories.
As for the controller, game consoles have special controllers that are optimized for video games. These controllers, including DualSense, use additional buttons and features that make playing and enjoying games easier. PCs also support controllers and gamepads but are generally configured using a keyboard and mouse, which may provide a different user experience for some games.
Cloud gaming services also support controllers; you can connect them to your device. Portability is also important to compare these platforms. Game consoles are easily portable; you can take them anywhere and connect them to the TV to play games. Of course, in the ninth generation, this is different for the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X.
PC and cloud services run differently than consoles
PCs are also portable, which can be more difficult due to their complex structure and dependence on peripherals. Gaming laptops do much better in this regard. In the case of cloud gaming services, you can access games from any device with an internet connection, and this is a new concept of gaming anytime and anywhere!
Another important factor in comparing these platforms is the gaming community’s and players’ connectivity. Game consoles usually have many players, and you can easily play with friends. Personal computers also allow playing online without additional costs, making players' connections available globally. Cloud gaming services mostly have an online section of the community ready for anything because you always have internet access!
This community in cloud gaming services can potentially transform the style and trend of online games. In such a case, we can think of possibilities that are difficult to do in offline or hardware-dependent games. Death Stranding shows an example of the indirect but constant connection of people in games. Cloud gaming services will greatly expand such creativity in the future.
Priorities on PC, console, or cloud service take precedence over the future.
Ultimately, choosing the right platform for video games depends on your needs and preferences. Game consoles can be a good choice for easy use and exclusive games. If you’re looking for expanded features and hardware upgrades, PCs may open up another level of decision-making. Also, cloud gaming services will be enticing if you enjoy playing games anytime and anywhere.
Each platform has different features in terms of game library and game publishing. We talked about consoles before; PCs, on the other hand, provide open and extensive access to store platforms such as Steam, Epic Games, and GOG. The discounts of each store and its services are different, and the consoles’ limitations do not bind you. In the case of cloud gaming services, the library of games will change depending on the subscription and the item you will use. Also, downloading, installing, and updating the game is no longer an issue in such services, and the experience of any title is immediate.
Another advantage of cloud services is the support of mobile platforms. Platforms that, although with many users, basically have no place in the gaming world! For example, you cannot experience native console or computer games on your smartphone, but cloud services make this option possible. Of course, in the end, you should remember your personal experience and enjoyment of the games. Each platform, including computer, console, and cloud gaming, is known for its unique experience. As a user, audience, and gamer, you should choose a platform with the best gaming experience according to your interest and needs.
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